MDC: …has 49 species and subspecies of snakes (a subspecies is a geographic race of a species). … There are only six species of venomous snakes in all of Missouri … MDC news release: "Only six of the 49 snake species native to Missouri are venomous." MDC podcast (state herpetologist): "There's actually 43 different species of snakes in the state." The guide has 43 species accounts (37 non-venomous, 6 venomous).
This page lists 43 snakes: all from MDC's A Guide to Missouri's Snakes, cross-checked with MDC Field Guide > Snakes.
6 are venomous by official accounts: Eastern Copperhead, Northern Cottonmouth, Timber Rattlesnake, Eastern Massasauga, Prairie Massasauga and Western Pygmy Rattlesnake. MDC gives a total of 49; the 43 here are the snakes official sources name one by one.
“Human deaths caused by massasauga bites are rare, but studies show that the their venom is highly toxic, so these snakes must be respected and classified as dangerous.” MDC
Where in Missouri
North-central and northwestern corner of the state. MDC
Conservation
MDC snake guide: State Endangered; MDC field guide: Endangered, Species of Conservation Concern
What the sources say
Venom: “There are only six species of venomous snakes in all of Missouri, and they are described in a separate section of this pamphlet.” (MDC)
Habitat: In Missouri, massasaugas are restricted to marshes or moist prairie habitats located within or near large river floodplains or scattered moist prairie swales within upland grassland habitats. (MDC)
Venom: “There are only six species of venomous snakes in all of Missouri, and they are described in a separate section of this pamphlet.” (MDC)
Habitat: This species prefers a habitat of mature forests and heavily wooded, rocky, south- and southwest-facing hillsides near streams and rivers. (MDC)
“Even though this snake is small and rarely bites people, its venom is quite toxic.” MDC
Where in Missouri
Counties bordering Arkansas and the eastern Missouri Ozarks. MDC
What the sources say
Venom: “There are only six species of venomous snakes in all of Missouri, and they are described in a separate section of this pamphlet.” (MDC)
Habitat: In Missouri, the western pygmy rattlesnake is most often observed in or near glades, in second-growth forests near rock ledges, and along the area between forests and open lands. (MDC)
The other 37 snakes
From A to Z. Some harmless snakes mimic venomous ones: leave every snake alone.
Most common along the western grassland areas of the state with scattered locations throughout the Ozarks and northern Missouri. MDC
Conservation
MDC snake guide: Rare Species; MDC field guide: Species of Conservation Concern
What the sources say
Venom: “Most of our snakes are harmless.” (MDC)
Habitat: A species of native tallgrass prairies, other grasslands, and savannas; also occurs in pastures and old fields as well as along some river bluffs. (MDC)
Restricted to the sand prairie and savanna areas of southeastern Missouri. MDC
Conservation
MDC snake guide: Rare Species; MDC field guide: Species of Conservation Concern
What the sources say
Venom: “Most of our snakes are harmless.” (MDC)
Habitat: In Missouri, the dusty hog-nosed snake is active from mid-April to mid-October, with most observations reported in May, June, September, and October. (MDC)
Most adults about 42 to 60 inches (3.5 to 5 ft); record 102 inches (8.5 ft). Ranges given by agencies: 41 to 84 in (Louisiana), 36 to 82 in (Oklahoma), adults average 50 to 72 in (Alabama), up to 94 in (NC State Extension), up to 80 in in Colorado and up to 68 in in Arizona.
How to recognize it
Long, slowly tapering tail whose scales look like a braided whip
Very long and slender, with smooth scales
Large eyes with round pupils
Where in Missouri
Southern half of the state except for the southeastern corner. MDC
What the sources say
Venom: “Most of our snakes are harmless.” (MDC)
Habitat: The eastern coachwhip is active on sunny days from April until early November. (MDC)
Statewide. Eastern gartersnakes occur throughout the eastern half of the state … MDC
JFMAMJJASOND
141 records by month.What the sources say
Venom: “Most of our snakes are harmless.” (MDC)
Range: Statewide. Eastern gartersnakes occur throughout the eastern half of the state. The red-sided gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) (see inset) — a subspecies — lives mainly in the prairie region of western and northern Missouri.
Habitat: Eastern gartersnakes are normally active in March–early November, but they may be seen aboveground during mild winters. (MDC)
Habitat: Eastern hog-nosed snakes live in areas of sandy or loose soil in open woods, old fields, open river floodplains, and on rocky, wooded hillsides. (MDC)
Habitat: This species lives under rocks on open, sparsely wooded, south-facing, rocky hillsides, especially glades, as well as along the edge of forests with rocks and downed trees. (MDC)
Habitat: Graham's crawfish snake is active in Missouri from late March or April through early November, with peak activity in April–May and October. (MDC)
Mainly wooded areas in the southern half of the state and along Missouri River counties, excluding southeastern counties. MDC
What the sources say
Venom: “Most of our snakes are harmless.” (MDC)
Habitat: Active from late March to October, this species is generally nocturnal, spending daylight hours under rocks, logs, and boards, or in small mammal burrows and rock crevices below ground. (MDC)
Lives mainly in the western part of the state with scattered populations in extreme northeast counties and the St. Louis area. MDC
What the sources say
Venom: “Most of our snakes are harmless.” (MDC)
Habitat: Normally active from April through October, lined snakes hide during the day under rocks, logs, and other debris, becoming active at night. (MDC)
Most adults are 14 to 33 inches long (Florida Museum), with a record of 46 inches. Maryland, Missouri, Tennessee and Arkansas give 22 to 32 inches. The tail is long and thin, about a third or more of the total length.
How to recognize it
Keeled (ridged) scales in 17 rows, which feel rough; the smooth green snake has smooth scales.
Extremely long, thin tail and round pupils.
Large eyes.
Where in Missouri
Throughout the southern two-thirds of the state. MDC
What the sources say
Venom: “Most of our snakes are harmless.” (MDC)
Habitat: This arboreal (tree-living) species resides in the dense trees and shrubs that grow along creeks, rivers, ponds, reservoirs, and forest edges. (MDC)
Adults 22 to 42 inches long, occasionally to 59 inches (Missouri). Pennsylvania gives 24 to over 50 inches; females are usually bigger than males.
How to recognize it
Dark crossbands on the front part of the body break up into rows of blotches from the middle of the body to the tail.
Belly white, yellow or orange, usually with dark half-moon-shaped spots.
Keeled (ridged) scales, so it feels rough; round pupils like other nonvenomous snakes in Missouri.
Where in Missouri
Statewide. Northern watersnakes are found throughout the western and northern two-thirds of the state … MDC
JFMAMJJASOND
152 records by month.What the sources say
Venom: “Most of our snakes are harmless.” (MDC)
Range: Statewide. Northern watersnakes are found throughout the western and northern two-thirds of the state. A subspecies, the midland watersnake (Nerodia sipedon pleuralis), lives in the southern and eastern third of the state.
Habitat: This is Missouri’s most common species of watersnake. (MDC)
Occurs mainly in the north-central and western corner, with an isolated population in the eastern part of the state near St. Louis. MDC
What the sources say
Venom: “Most of our snakes are harmless.” (MDC)
Habitat: In Missouri, the plains gartersnake is usually active from late March to late October and occurs in wet prairies, meadows, marshes, lakes, ponds, and streams. (MDC)
Habitat: The name "prairie kingsnake" is somewhat misleading because this common, harmless species lives not only in native prairie habitats but also along the edge of crop fields, hayfields, fallow fields, or the edge of open woods, on rocky, wooded hillsides, near farm buildings, and in empty lots at the edges of small towns. (MDC)
Nearly statewide, but likely replaced by the Mississippi ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus stictogenys) — a subspecies — in the southeastern portion of its state … MDC
What the sources say
Venom: “Most of our snakes are harmless.” (MDC)
Range: Nearly statewide, but likely replaced by the Mississippi ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus stictogenys) — a subspecies — in the southeastern portion of its state range.
Habitat: In some locations in Missouri, this is the most common snake species. (MDC)
Usually 8 to 10 inches; state figures run from about 4 to 16 inches, with a Florida record of 16.6 inches.
How to recognize it
Plain, unmarked red or orange belly.
Three light spots just behind the head, which may fuse into a collar.
Keeled (ridged) scales in 15 rows at midbody and round pupils.
Where in Missouri
Statewide, except for several northwestern counties. MDC
What the sources say
Venom: “Most of our snakes are harmless.” (MDC)
Habitat: Active from late March through early November, the red-bellied snake is secretive and spends most of its time hiding under rocks, boards, scattered tree bark, logs, and other objects. (MDC)
Habitat: This handsome snake occurs in a wide variety of habitats: prairies and along prairie streams, brushy areas, edges of forest and old farm fields, rocky, wooded hillsides, and along the edges of swamps and marshes. (MDC)
Mainly southern half of the state with scattered populations in the north-central part of the state. MDC
What the sources say
Venom: “Most of our snakes are harmless.” (MDC)
Habitat: This nondescript little woodland snake is usually active from late March through early November, with peaks in April–May and September–October. (MDC)
NPS says black racers can resemble the venomous water moccasin and advises leaving alone any snake you cannot identify. It gives no safe field mark, and none is offered here.
Black Racer or Timber rattlesnake?
Photo: Everglades NPS from Homestead, Florida, United States · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
TWRA: the racer lacks the coachwhip's reddish tint along the sides of the tail; an all-black coachwhip is distinctly lighter or reddish toward the rear. Oklahoma: the coachwhip is much larger.
The copperhead's head is coppery with no marks; the milksnake's head is light with brownish marks (Pennsylvania). Tennessee: copperhead has a copper-colored, unmarked head and triangular shapes on the side of the body. Pennsylvania says the eastern milksnake is the snake most often killed by mistake for a copperhead. Belly colour is not used here: Pennsylvania's own pages describe the copperhead belly two different ways (uniform cream in one account, mottled white to gray in another).
Photos show typical adults; individuals vary. Never get close to compare.
When snakes are active in Missouri
Records of snakes in Missouri peak in April to May and September to October. They show when people record snakes, not how many there are (about month bars).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
1,154 records of snakes in Missouri by month (GBIF, CC0 and CC BY records).
Copperheads are normally active mid-March to early November and enter overwintering sites mid-to-late October. MDC
Copperheads become nocturnal in June, July and August. MDC
Missouri snakes normally breed in spring after winter dormancy. MDC
Western pygmy rattlesnakes are normally active early April to mid-October. MDC
If you are bitten or stung
Call 911 or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Poison Help connects you to your local poison center, any time of day.
Official advice from Missouri Poison Center (SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital), Missouri's poison-control program and MDC:
Venomous snakes are dangerous; avoid them and any snake you cannot identify. Even freshly killed snakes can bite by reflex. MDC
Wear protective footwear where dangerous snakes may occur; never place your hands under rocks or logs; do not step over rocks or logs: step on them first, then over. MDC
Venomous Missouri snakes have elliptical (vertical) pupils and a single row of scales under the tail; a triangular head is not a reliable sign. MDC
All snakes native to Missouri are protected; MDC's exception is a venomous snake in close association with people, which could result in someone being bitten. MDC
How to report
Report sightings of black bears, elk, mountain lions, feral hogs, rare furbearers and some small mammals to MDC. MDC
Snake Facts (MDC Wildlife Facts). Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (2)
“The pupils of venomous snakes are elliptical, often appearing as vertical slits within the iris. … Our venomous species all have a single row of scales along the underside of the tail. … A triangle-shaped head doesn't necessarily mean danger.”
“Few Missourians realize that all snakes native to our state are protected. … There is a realistic exception, however: when a venomous snake is in close association with people, which could result in someone being bitten.”
“…has 49 species and subspecies of snakes (a subspecies is a geographic race of a species). … There are only six species of venomous snakes in all of Missouri … MDC news release: "Only six of the 49 snake species native to Missouri are venomous." MDC podcast (state herpetologist): "There's actually 43 different species of snakes in the state." The guide has 43 species accounts (37 non-venomous, 6 venomous).”
“Most of our snakes are harmless.”
“There are only six species of venomous snakes in all of Missouri, and they are described in a separate section of this pamphlet.”
“In Missouri, snakes normally breed in the spring, soon after they emerge from winter dormancy.”
“This snake is extremely similar in appearance to the Eastern massasauga and mainly identified to species based upon geographical range in Missouri (see distribution).”
“The eastern copperhead is the most common venomous snake in Missouri. Copperhead venom is considered mild compared to that of other venomous snakes, but medical treatment should still be sought if a person is bitten.”
“The cottonmouth is a dangerously venomous species that can deliver a fatal bite.”
“It is dangerously venomous, and medical attention must be sought immediately if someone is bitten.”
“Human deaths caused by massasauga bites are rare, but studies show that the their venom is highly toxic, so these snakes must be respected and classified as dangerous.”
“Even though this snake is small and rarely bites people, its venom is quite toxic.”
“Even freshly killed specimens can inflict a dangerous bite due to reflex action. … Finally, avoid any snake you cannot identify.”
“Wear protective footwear in habitats where dangerous snakes may occur. … Never place your hands under rocks or logs, and do not step over rocks or logs. Step on them first, then over.”
“Copperheads are normally active from mid-March through early November. … In Missouri, most copperheads enter overwintering sites from mid-to-late October.”
“In the hottest months (June, July, and August), they become nocturnal.”
“This species is normally active from early April to mid-October.”
“Copperheads, however, are stout-bodied and have hourglass-shaped markings on the back, vertical pupils in the eyes, a sensory pit between each nostril and eye, and, sometimes, especially in young copperheads, a yellow tail tip.”
“MDC is taking reports for sightings of black bears, elk, mountain lions, feral hogs, rare furbearers, and small mammals such as Franklin's ground squirrels and plains pocket gophers.”
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
_(a99a1f20-41ad-4455-ba9e-987ce39c25ce).jpg){kind=link}
_(8bd5fbd1-6626-4d5b-b142-5ee7befe524b).jpg){kind=link}
_-_Flickr_-_2ndPeter_(1).jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
,_zusammengerollt.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
_-_Flickr_-_2ndPeter.jpg){kind=link}
_-_Flickr_-_2ndPeter.jpg){kind=link}
_-_Flickr_-_2ndPeter.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
,_Seitenansicht.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
_-_Flickr_-_2ndPeter.jpg){kind=link}
,_zusammengerollt.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}